critical thinking essay template

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline

Critical thinking is the process of evaluating and analyzing information. People who use it in everyday life are open to different opinions. They rely on reason and logic when making conclusions about certain issues.

A critical thinking essay shows how your thoughts change as you research your topic. This type of assignment encourages you to learn rather than prove what you already know. In this article, our custom writing team will:

• explain how to write an excellent critical essay;
• introduce 30 great essay topics;
• provide a critical thinking essay example in MLA format.
• 🤔 Critical Thinking Essay Definition
• 💡 Topics & Questions
• ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
• 📑 Essay Example & Formatting Tips
• ✍️ Bonus Tips

🔍 References

🤔 what is a critical thinking essay.

A critical thinking essay is a paper that analyses an issue and reflects on it in order to develop an action plan. Unlike other essay types, it starts with a question instead of a thesis. It helps you develop a broader perspective on a specific issue. Critical writing aims at improving your analytical skills and encourages asking questions.

Critical Thinking in Writing: Importance

When we talk about critical thinking and writing, the word “critical” doesn’t have any negative connotation. It simply implies thorough investigation, evaluation, and analysis of information. Critical thinking allows students to make objective conclusions and present their ideas logically. It also helps them avoid errors in reasoning.

The Basics: 8 Steps of Critical Thinking Psychology

Did you know that the critical thinking process consists of 8 steps? We’ve listed them below. You can try to implement them in your everyday life:

It’s possible that fallacies will occur during the process of critical thinking. Fallacies are errors in reasoning that fail to provide a reasonable conclusion. Here are some common types of fallacies:

• Generalization . It happens when you apply generally factual statements to a specific case.
• Ambiguity . It occurs when the arguments are not clear and are not supported by evidence.
• Appeal to authority . This mistake happens when you claim the statement is valid only because a respected person made it.
• Appeal to emotion . It occurs when you use highly emotive language to convince the audience. Try to stay sensible and rely on the evidence.
• Bifurcation . This mistake occurs when you choose only between two alternatives when more than two exist.
• False analogy . It happens when the examples are poorly connected.

If you want to avoid these mistakes, do the following:

• try not to draw conclusions too quickly,
• be attentive,
• carefully read through all the sources,
• avoid generalizations.

How to Demonstrate Your Critical Thinking in Writing

Critical thinking encourages you to go beyond what you know and study new perspectives. When it comes to demonstrating your critical thinking skills in writing, you can try these strategies:

• Read . Before you start writing an essay, read everything you can find on the subject you are about to cover. Focus on the critical points of your assignment.
• Research . Look up several scholarly sources and study the information in-depth.
• Evaluate . Analyze the sources and the information you’ve gathered. See whether you can disagree with the authors.
• Prove . Explain why you agree or disagree with the authors’ conclusions. Back it up with evidence.

According to Purdue University, logical essay writing is essential when you deal with academic essays. It helps you demonstrate and prove the arguments. Make sure that your paper reaches a logical conclusion.

There are several main concepts related to logic:

If you want your essay to be logical, it’s better to avoid syllogistic fallacies, which happen with certain invalid deductions. If syllogisms are used carelessly, they can lead to false statements and ruin the credibility of your paper.

💡 Critical Thinking Topics & Questions

An excellent critical thinking essay starts with a question. But how do you formulate it properly? Keep reading to find out.

How to Write Critical Thinking Questions: Examples with Answers

Asking the right questions is at the core of critical thinking. They challenge our beliefs and encourage our interest to learn more.

Here are some examples of model questions that prompt critical thinking:

• What does… mean?
• What would happen if…?
• What are the principles of…?
• Why is… important?
• How does… affect…?
• What do you think causes…?
• How are… and… similar/different?
• How do you explain….?
• What are the implications of…?
• What do we already know about…?

Now, let’s look at some critical thinking questions with the answers. You can use these as a model for your own questions:

Question: What would happen if people with higher income paid more taxes?

• Answer: It would help society to prosper and function better. It would also help people out of poverty. This way, everyone can contribute to the economy.

Question: How does eating healthy benefit you?

• Answer: Healthy eating affects people’s lives in many positive ways. It reduces cancer risk, improves your mood and memory, helps with weight loss and diabetes management, and improves your night sleep.

Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Have you already decided what your essay will be about? If not, feel free to use these essay topic examples as titles for your paper or as inspiration. Make sure to choose a theme that interests you personally:

• What are the reasons for racism in healthcare?
• Why is accepting your appearance important?
• Concepts of critical thinking and logical reasoning .
• Nature and spirit in Ralf Waldo Emerson’s poetry.
• How does technological development affect communication in the modern world?
• Social media effect on adolescents.
• Is the representation of children in popular fiction accurate?
• Domestic violence and its consequences.
• Why is mutual aid important in society?
• How do stereotypes affect the way people think?
• The concept of happiness in different cultures.
• The purpose of environmental art.
• Why do people have the need to be praised?
• How did antibiotics change medicine and its development?
• Is there a way to combat inequality in sports?
• Is gun control an effective way of crime prevention?
• How our understanding of love changes through time.
• The use of social media by the older generation.
• Graffiti as a form of modern art.
• Negative health effects of high sugar consumption.
• Why are reality TV shows so popular?
• Why should we eat healthily?
• How effective and fair is the US judicial system?
• Reasons of Cirque du Soleil phenomenon.
• How can police brutality be stopped?
• Freedom of speech: does it exist?
• The effects of vaccination misconceptions.
• How to eliminate New Brunswick’s demographic deficit: action plan.
• What makes a good movie?
• Critical analysis of your favorite book.
• The connection between fashion and identity.
• Taboo topics and how they are discussed in gothic literature.
• Critical thinking essay on the problem of overpopulation.
• Does our lifestyle affect our mental health?
• The role of self-esteem in preventing eating disorders in children.
• Drug abuse among teenagers.
• Rhetoric on assisted suicide.
• Effects of violent video games on children’s mental health.
• Analyze the effect stress has on the productivity of a team member.
• Discuss the importance of the environmental studies.
• Critical thinking and ethics of happy life.
• The effects of human dignity on the promotion of justice.
• Examine the ethics of advertising the tobacco industry.
• Reasons and possible solutions of research misconduct.
• Implication of parental deployment for children.
• Cultural impact of superheroes on the US culture.
• Examine the positive and negative impact of technology on modern society.
• Critical thinking in literature: examples.
• Analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on economic transformation.
• Benefits and drawbacks of mandatory vaccination.

Haven’t found a suitable essay idea? Try using our topic generator !

✅ How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay Step by Step

Now, let’s focus on planning and writing your critical thinking essay. In this section, you will find an essay outline, examples of thesis statements, and a brief overview of each essay part.

Critical Thinking Essay Outline

In a critical thinking essay, there are two main things to consider: a premise and a conclusion :

• A premise is a statement in the argument that explains the reason or supports a conclusion.
• A conclusion indicates what the argument is trying to prove. Each argument can have only one conclusion.

When it comes to structuring, a critical thinking essay is very similar to any other type of essay. Before you start writing it, make sure you know what to include in it. An outline is very helpful when it comes to structuring a paper.

How to Start a Critical Essay Introduction

An introduction gives readers a general idea of an essay’s contents. When you work on the introduction, imagine that you are drawing a map for the reader. It not only marks the final destination but also explains the route.

An introduction usually has 4 functions:

• It catches the reader’s attention;
• It states the essay’s main argument;
• It provides some general information about the topic;
• It shows the importance of the issue in question.

Here are some strategies that can make the introduction writing easier:

• Give an overview of the essay’s topic.
• Express the main idea.
• Define the main terms.
• Outline the issues that you are going to explore or argue about.
• Explain the methodology and why you used it.
• Write a hook to attract the reader’s attention.

Critical Analysis Thesis Statement & Examples

A thesis statement is an integral part of every essay. It keeps the paper organized and guides both the reader and the writer. A good thesis:

• expresses the conclusion or position on a topic;
• justifies your position or opinion with reasoning;
• conveys one idea;
• serves as the essay’s map.

To have a clearer understanding of what a good thesis is, let’s have a look at these examples.

The statement on the left is too general and doesn’t provide any reasoning. The one on the right narrows down the group of people to office workers and specifies the benefits of exercising.

Critical Thinking Essay Body Paragraphs: How to Write

Body paragraphs are the part of the essay where you discuss all the ideas and arguments. In a critical thinking essay, arguments are especially important. When you develop them, make sure that they:

• reflect the key theme;
• are supported by the sources/citations/examples.

Using counter-arguments is also effective. It shows that you acknowledge different points of view and are not easily persuaded.

In addition to your arguments, it’s essential to present the evidence . Demonstrate your critical thinking skills by analyzing each source and stating whether the author’s position is valid.

To make your essay logically flow, you may use transitions such as:

• Accordingly,
• For instance,
• On the contrary,
• In conclusion,
• Not only… but also,
• Undoubtedly.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Conclusion

In a critical thinking essay, the notion of “conclusion” is tightly connected to the one used in logic. A logical conclusion is a statement that specifies the author’s point of view or what the essay argues about. Each argument can have only one logical conclusion.

Sometimes they can be confused with premises. Remember that premises serve as a support for the conclusion. Unlike the conclusion, there can be several premises in a single argument. You can learn more about these concepts from the article on a logical consequence by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Keeping this in mind, have a look at these tips for finishing your essay:

• Briefly sum up the main points.
• Provide a final thought on the issue.
• Suggest some results or consequences.
• Finish up with a call for action.

📑 Critical Thinking Essays Examples & Formatting Tips

Formatting is another crucial aspect of every formal paper. MLA and APA are two popular formats when it comes to academic writing. They share some similarities but overall are still two different styles. Here are critical essay format guidelines that you can use as a reference:

Finally, you’re welcome to check out a full critical essay sample in MLA format. Download the PDF file below:

Currently, the importance of critical thinking has grown rapidly because technological progress has led to expanded access to various content-making platforms: websites, online news agencies, and podcasts with, often, low-quality information. Fake news is used to achieve political and financial aims, targeting people with low news literacy. However, individuals can stop spreading fallacies by detecting false agendas with the help of a skeptical attitude.

✍️ Bonus Tips: Critical Thinking and Writing Exercises

Critical thinking is a process different from our regular thinking. When we think in everyday life, we do it automatically. However, when we’re thinking critically, we do it deliberately.

So how do we get better at this type of thinking and make it a habit? These useful tips will help you do it:

• Ask basic questions. Sometimes, while we are doing research, the explanation becomes too complicated. To avoid it, always go back to your topic.
• Question basic assumptions. When thinking through a problem, ask yourself whether your beliefs can be wrong. Keep an open mind while researching your question.
• Think for yourself. Avoid getting carried away in the research and buying into other people’s opinions.
• Reverse things. Sometimes it seems obvious that one thing causes another, but what if it’s the other way around?
• Evaluate existing evidence. If you work with sources, it’s crucial to evaluate and question them.

Another way to improve your reasoning skills is to do critical thinking exercises. Here are some of them:

Thanks for reading through our article! We hope that you found it helpful and learned some new information. If you liked it, feel free to share it with your friends.

Further reading:

• Critical Writing: Examples & Brilliant Tips [2024]
• How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Outline, Steps, & Examples
• How to Write an Analysis Essay: Examples + Writing Guide
• How to Write a Critique Paper: Tips + Critique Essay Examples
• How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Step by Step
• Critical Thinking and Writing: University of Kent
• Steps to Critical Thinking: Rasmussen University
• 3 Simple Habits to Improve Your Critical Thinking: Harvard Business Review
• In-Class Writing Exercises: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Demonstrating Critical Thinking in Writing: University of South Australia
• 15 Questions that Teachers and Parents Can Ask Kids to Encourage Critical Thinking: The Hun School
• Questions to Provoke Critical Thinking: Brown University
• How to Write a College Critical Thinking Essay: Seattle PI
• Introductions: What They Do: Royal Literary Fund
• Thesis Statements: Arizona State University
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How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Steps & Example

Critical thinking is a powerful skill that helps you analyze information and form well-reasoned arguments. As a matter of fact, the human brain uses more energy when critically thinking than when relaxing. This article will guide you through the steps of writing a successful critical thinking essay.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to craft a strong essay
• The importance of these essays
• The structure with an example
• Valuable bonus tips to strengthen your writing

By following these steps and incorporating the provided information, you'll be well on your way to writing impressive essays. If you need further guidance, always count on our fast essay writing service .

What is Critical Thinking Essay

A critical thinking essay is a type of writing where you analyze a topic thoroughly. You'll consider different viewpoints, evaluate evidence from studies or expert opinions, and form your own well-reasoned conclusion. Here, you need to look at an issue from all angles before deciding where you stand. This type of essay goes beyond memorizing facts. It actively engages with information, questions assumptions, and develops your own thoughtful perspective.

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Importance of Critical Thinking and Its Use in Writing

Critical thinking is a skill that benefits all types of writing, not just essays. It helps you become a more informed and effective communicator. Here's why it's important:

• Stronger Arguments: Critical thinking helps you build solid arguments. You won't just state your opinion but back it up with evidence and consider opposing viewpoints. This makes your writing more persuasive and convincing.
• Deeper Understanding: When writing a critical thinking essay, you'll analyze information, identify biases, and think about the bigger picture. This leads to a richer understanding of the topic and a more insightful essay.
• Clearer Communication: By organizing your thoughts critically, your writing becomes clearer and more focused. You'll present your ideas in a logical order, making it easier for readers to follow your argument.
• Spotting Fake News: Critical thinking skills help you evaluate the information you encounter online and in the world around you. You'll be better equipped to identify unreliable sources and biased information, making you a more discerning reader and writer.
• Improved Problem-Solving: Critical thinking helps you approach challenges thoughtfully. As you write, you'll learn to analyze complex issues, consider different solutions, and ultimately develop well-reasoned conclusions. This skill extends beyond writing and can be applied to all areas of your life.

For more detailed information on the importance of critical thinking , visit our dedicated article.

Critical Thinking Essay Format

In a critical thinking essay outline, each piece has its place and contributes to the overall picture. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

Check out our critical analysis example to see how this format comes to life.

Critical Thinking Essay Questions

Now that you understand the structure of this essay, let's get your brain working! Here are some questions to help you generate strong critical thinking essay topics:

• How can you tell if a source of information is reliable?
• What are the potential biases that might influence research or news articles?
• How can you identify logical fallacies in arguments?
• How can you weigh the pros and cons of a complex issue?
• How can your own experiences or background influence your perspective on a topic?

Sample Essay Topics:

• History: Should historical monuments that celebrate controversial figures be removed or repurposed?
• Science: With advancements in gene editing, should we allow parents to choose their children's traits?
• Art & Culture: Does artificial intelligence pose a threat to the creativity and value of human art?
• Space Exploration: Should we prioritize colonizing Mars or focus on solving problems on Earth?
• Business Ethics: Is it ethical for companies to automate jobs and potentially displace workers?
• Education: In a world with readily available information online, is traditional classroom learning still necessary?
• Global Issues: Is focusing solely on national interests hindering efforts to address global challenges like climate change?

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Choose a topic that interests you and allows you to explore different perspectives critically.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay

We've covered the foundation – the structure and key elements of a critical thinking essay. Now, let's dive into the writing process itself! Remember, the steps on how to start a critical thinking essay, such as defining your topic, crafting a thesis, gathering evidence, etc., are all interconnected. As you write, you'll move back and forth between them to refine your argument and build a strong essay.

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Understand the Assignment Requirements

Taking some time to understand the assignment from the beginning will save you time and frustration later. Grasping your critical thinking paper instructions ensures you're on the right track and meeting your teacher's expectations. Here's what to focus on:

• The Prompt: This is the core of the assignment, outlining the topic and what you're expected to do. For example, if it asks what critical thinking skills are, Look for keywords like "define," "describe," or "explain." These indicate the type of essay you need to write and the approach you should take.
• Specific Requirements: Pay attention to details like the essay length, formatting style (e.g., MLA, APA), and any specific sources you need to use. Missing these guidelines can lead to point deductions.
• Grading Rubric (if provided): This is a goldmine! The rubric often outlines the criteria your essay will be graded on, like clarity of argument, use of evidence, and proper citation style. Knowing these expectations can help you tailor your writing to excel.

Select a Critical Thinking Topic

Think about the prompt or theme provided by your teacher. Are there any aspects that pique your interest? Perhaps a specific angle you haven't explored much? The best topics are those that spark your curiosity and allow you to engage with the material in a meaningful way.

Here are some tips for selecting a strong critical thinking essay topic:

• Relevance to the Assignment: Make sure your chosen topic directly relates to the prompt and allows you to address the key points. Don't stray too far off course!
• Interest and Engagement: Choose a topic that you find genuinely interesting. Your enthusiasm will show in your writing and make the research and writing process more enjoyable.
• Complexity and Scope: Aim for a topic that's complex enough to provide depth for analysis but not so broad that it becomes overwhelming. You want to be able to explore it thoroughly within the essay's length limitations.
• Availability of Sources: Ensure you have access to credible sources like academic journals, news articles from reputable sources, or books by experts to support your argument.

Remember: Don't be afraid to get creative! While some prompts may seem broad, there's often room to explore a specific angle or sub-topic within the larger theme.

Conduct In-Depth Research

This is where you'll gather the information and evidence when writing a critical thinking essay. However, don't just copy information passively. Critically analyze the sources you find.

• Start with Reliable Sources: Steer clear of unreliable websites or questionable information. Focus on credible sources like academic journals, scholarly articles, reputable news outlets, and books by established experts in the field.
• Use Library Resources: Librarians can guide you towards relevant databases, academic journals, and credible online resources.
• Search Engines Can Be Your Friend: While you shouldn't rely solely on search engines, they can be helpful starting points. Use keywords related to your topic, and be critical of the websites you visit. Look for sites with a clear "About Us" section and reputable affiliations.
• Vary Your Sources: Don't just rely on one type of source. Seek out a variety of perspectives, including research studies, data, historical documents, and even opposing viewpoints. This will give your essay well-roundedness and depth.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement encapsulates your main argument or perspective on the topic. A strong thesis statement tells your readers exactly what your essay will be about and prepares them for the evidence you'll present.

During your critical thinking process, make sure you include these key characteristics:

• Specificity: It goes beyond simply stating the topic and clearly outlines your position on it.
• Focus: It focuses on a single main point that you'll develop throughout the essay.
• Argumentative: It indicates your stance on the issue, not just a neutral observation.
• Clarity: It's clear, concise, and easy for the reader to understand.

For example, here's a weak thesis statement:

Deepfakes are a new technology with both positive and negative implications.

This is too vague and doesn't tell us anything specific about ethics. Here's a stronger version:

While deep lakes have the potential to revolutionize entertainment and education, their ability to create highly convincing misinformation poses a significant threat to democracy and social trust.

This thesis is specific, focused, and clearly states the argument that will be explored in the essay.

Outline the Structure of Your Essay

With a strong thesis statement guiding your way, it's time to create a roadmap for your essay. This outline will serve as a blueprint, ensuring your arguments flow logically and your essay has a clear structure. Here's what a basic outline for a critical thinking essay might look like:

This is a flexible structure, and you may need to adapt it based on your specific topic and the length of your essay. However, having a clear outline will help you stay organized and ensure your essay flows smoothly from point to point.

Write an Engaging Introduction

The introduction should be captivating and give your reader a taste of what's to come. Here are some tips for crafting a strong introduction:

• Start with a Hook: Use an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant anecdote to grab your reader's attention right from the start. This will pique their curiosity and make them want to read more.
• Introduce the Topic: Briefly introduce the topic you'll be exploring and explain its significance. Why is this topic important to discuss?
• Present Your Thesis: Clearly and concisely state your thesis statement. This tells your reader exactly what your essay will argue and prepares them for the evidence you'll present.

For example, Let's say your essay is about the growing popularity of online learning platforms. Here's an introduction that uses a hook, introduces the topic, and presents a thesis statement:

With millions of students enrolled in online courses worldwide, the way we learn is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Traditionally associated with brick-and-mortar classrooms, education is now readily available through virtual platforms, offering flexibility and accessibility. This essay will examine the advantages and challenges of online learning, ultimately arguing that while it offers valuable opportunities, it cannot entirely replace the benefits of a traditional classroom setting.

Construct Analytical Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are the heart of your essay, where you develop your argument and convince your reader of your perspective.

• Focus on One Point Per Paragraph: Each paragraph should address a single point that directly relates to your thesis statement. Don't try to cram too much information into one paragraph.
• Start with a Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces the main point of the paragraph and explains how it connects to your thesis.
• Support with Evidence: Back up your claims with credible evidence from your research. This could include facts, statistics, quotes from experts, or relevant examples.
• Analyze and Explain: Don't just list the evidence! Use critical thinking in writing - explain how it supports your argument and analyze its significance. What does this evidence tell you about the issue?
• Consider Counterarguments (Optional): In some cases, it can be effective to acknowledge opposing viewpoints and briefly explain why they're not as strong as your argument. This demonstrates your awareness of the complexity of the issue and strengthens your own position.

For example: Let's revisit the online learning example. Imagine one of your body paragraphs focuses on the flexibility of online learning platforms. Here's a breakdown of how you might structure it:

• Topic Sentence: Online learning platforms offer students unparalleled flexibility in terms of scheduling and pace of learning.
• Evidence: A recent study by the Online Learning Consortium found that 74% of online students reported being able to manage their coursework around their work and personal commitments.
• Analysis: This flexibility allows students who may have work or family obligations to pursue their education without sacrificing other responsibilities. It also empowers students to learn at their own pace, revisiting challenging concepts or accelerating through familiar material.

Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

The conclusion is your final opportunity to wrap up the story in a satisfying way and leave the audience with something to ponder. Here's how to write a strong conclusion for your critical thinking essay:

• Summarize Key Points: Briefly remind your reader of the main points you've discussed throughout the essay.
• Restate Your Thesis: Restate your thesis statement in a new way, emphasizing its significance.
• Final Thought or Call to Action (Optional): Leave your reader with a final thought that provokes reflection, or consider including a call to action that encourages them to take a particular stance on the issue.

Here's an example conclusion for the online learning essay:

In conclusion, while online learning platforms offer valuable flexibility and accessibility, they cannot entirely replace the benefits of a traditional classroom setting. The social interaction, real-time feedback, and personalized attention offered by in-person learning remain crucial components of a well-rounded educational experience. As technology continues to evolve, future advancements may bridge this gap, but for now, a blended approach that leverages the strengths of both online and traditional learning may be the optimal solution.

Critical Thinking Essay Example

Let's now take a look at a complete critical thinking essay to see how these steps come together. This example will show you how to structure your essay and build a strong argument.

5 Tips on How to Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking helps you form well-reasoned arguments and make sound decisions. Here are 5 tips to sharpen your critical thinking skills:

• Question Everything (Respectfully): Don't just accept information at face value. Ask questions like "Why is this important?" "What evidence supports this claim?" or "Are there other perspectives to consider?". Develop a healthy skepticism (doubt) but be respectful of others' viewpoints.
• Dig Deeper than Headlines: In today's fast-paced world, headlines can be misleading. Go beyond the surface and seek out credible sources that provide in-depth analysis and evidence. Look for articles from reputable news organizations, academic journals, or books by established experts.
• Embrace Different Viewpoints: Exposing yourself to various perspectives strengthens your critical thinking. Read articles that present opposing viewpoints, watch documentaries that explore different sides of an issue, or engage in respectful discussions with people who hold contrasting opinions.
• Spot Logical Fallacies: Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can lead to flawed conclusions. Learn to identify common fallacies like bandwagon appeals (appealing to popularity), ad hominem attacks (attacking the person instead of the argument), or slippery slope arguments (suggesting a small step will lead to a disastrous outcome).
• Practice Makes Progress: Critical thinking is a skill that improves with practice. Engage in activities that encourage analysis and debate. Write persuasive essays, participate in class discussions, or join a debate club. The more you exercise your critical thinking muscles, the stronger they become.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more critical thinker. Remember, keep questioning things, explore different ideas, and practice your writing!

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What is an Example of Critical Thinking?

How do you start writing a critical thinking essay, how to structure a critical thinking essay.

Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Critical thinking and writing . (n.d.). https://studenthub.city.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/372818/2.-Critical-thinking-guide_FINAL.pdf
• ‌Lane, J. (2023, September 6). Critical thinking for critical writing | SFU Library . Www.lib.sfu.ca . https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing/argumentation/critical-thinking-writing

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If you ever wondered about how to critique something, a book, a film, or maybe even a research hypothesis, then the answer for you is – to write a critical essay about it. This type of writing revolves around the deep evaluation of the material in front of you. So, in such papers, the goal isn’t to say whether you liked something or not, but rather to analyze it based on evidence and logic. Think of it as taking a step back and asking, “What is really going on here?” and “How did the creator make that happen?”

In a critical essay, you start with a central claim or thesis that makes an argument about the material you’re analyzing. From there, you’ll support your points using evidence, like specific quotes from a book or scenes from a movie. And unlike casual conversations, this type of writing avoids personal opinions or judgments like “I liked it” or “It was boring.” Instead, you’re focused on breaking down the details and exploring themes, techniques, or strategies used by the creator.

For example, rather than saying “Charlie was so lucky to find a Golden Ticket” after watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a critical essay might explore how the film uses the contrast between wealth and morality to make a statement about society. 

Writing a Perfect Critical Essay: Here’s What to Do

Writing a critical essay doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you approach it with a solid plan. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can structure your writing process to create a thoughtful, well-organized essay that impresses your readers (and earns you those high grades).

Choose and Fully Understand Your Topic

First things first—you need to select something to write about. This can be a movie, book, piece of music, or artwork. Just make sure it’s something you’re interested in and that you understand well. If your topic is assigned, spend time getting familiar with it. Watch the film or read the book a couple of times, and take notes on key themes, techniques, or elements that stand out. 

Gather Your Sources

You’ll need evidence to support your analysis, so gather relevant material. Use scholarly sources like journal articles, books, and credible websites to back up your claims. The trick here is not just collecting information but understanding it. As such, if you’re writing about a novel, find analyses that discuss the author’s themes or techniques, and use that to build your argument. And remember to always keep track of your sources for proper citations later!

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to craft your thesis statement. This is the central argument of your essay, and everything you write should connect back to it. For example, if you’re analyzing the use of imagery in Get Out , your thesis might argue how the recurring image of the teacup symbolizes the control and manipulation of Black bodies in the film, reinforcing themes of power and exploitation. Keep your thesis specific, focused, and arguable ad it will carry your entire essay.

Create an Outline

Before you start writing, create an outline to organize your ideas. A typical critical essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body, each paragraph should focus on a different point that supports your thesis. For instance, one paragraph might discuss symbolism, another might analyze character development, and a third could cover narrative techniques. Outlining helps you see the flow of your writing and make sure that each point has enough evidence to back it up.

Write the Body Paragraphs First

With your outline in place, begin writing the body paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, followed by evidence (quotes, examples, or facts) to support it. After presenting the evidence, analyze it and explain how it ties into your thesis. If you’re analyzing a movie, for example, you might focus one paragraph on how the director uses camera angles to create tension in a scene. Stay focused and make sure everything ties back to your central argument.

Write the Conclusion

After finishing the body paragraphs, write the conclusion. This is where you sum up the key points of your essay and restate your thesis in light of the evidence you’ve presented. The conclusion should not introduce new information but instead reinforce your argument, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your analysis. 

Write the Introduction Last

Now that you’ve got the bulk of the essay written, it’s time to finally build the introduction. Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention—a bold statement, an intriguing question, or a surprising fact can work well. Then, provide some background information to set the context for your analysis, and finish with your thesis statement that you have already created. Writing the introduction last allows you to make sure it aligns perfectly with the rest of your essay and clearly presents your argument.

Revise, Edit, and Proofread

You’ve got your first draft—congrats! Now, it’s time to bring it to perfection. Read through your essay a few times to improve clarity and flow. Check if all your points are well-supported and if your argument makes sense from start to finish. Edit for grammar, spelling, and style errors, and make sure all citations are correctly formatted. Taking this step seriously can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your essay (and in your grade as well).

Critical Essay Example: Proper Structure & Outline

Now, if you still feel kind of lost in all this information, don’t worry too much. Below you will find an example of what a well-organized critical essay can look like. Check it out to gain some inspiration and you will definitely be able to jump right into the writing process in no time at all.

How should I start a critical essay?

To start a critical essay, begin with an engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. You can use a hook, such as an interesting fact, a bold statement, or even a thought-provoking question. After the hook, provide some background information on the topic you’re discussing to set the stage. Finally, end the introduction with a clear thesis statement outlining the main argument or point you’ll analyze. This thesis will guide your essay and tell readers what to expect from your analysis.

What is a critical essay and example?

A critical essay is a type of writing where you analyze and evaluate a piece of work, such as a book, film, painting, or even a theory. This type of writing is dedicated to exploring the deeper meanings, strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact of its subject. For example, if you’re writing a critical essay about The Great Gatsby, you wouldn’t just summarize the plot—you’d dive into how F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism and themes like the American Dream to convey larger messages.

What is the layout of a critical essay?

The layout of a critical essay usually follows a standard structure: an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you present the topic and your thesis. The body paragraphs are where you break down the main points of your analysis, using evidence to support your claims. The conclusion ties everything together, summarizing your key points and restating your thesis in light of the evidence you’ve discussed.

What are the parts of a critical essay?

A critical essay has three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Introduction : This is where you introduce the work you’re analyzing and present your thesis.
• Body Paragraphs : These are the meat of your essay, where you break down your analysis into different points, using evidence and examples to support your arguments.
• Conclusion : Here, you wrap up your analysis, summarizing the main points and reinforcing how they support your thesis.

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How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: The Complete Guide

by  Antony W

June 26, 2024

Are you looking for a detailed guide on how to write a critical thinking essay step-by-step? Maybe you have an idea to get you started by you want to be sure you have the right lead?

You’ve come to the right place.

Critical thinking is a complex system that involves conceptualization and evaluation of information and presentation of observation and analysis based on objective reasoning. The application of critical thinking in life dimension lowers the chances of making mistakes and guides humans towards finding, and possibly believing in, some kind of truth.

When it comes to critical thinking essay writing, you’ll have a topic to read and analyze critically. In the end, you should demonstrate that you not only understand everything there is to know about the topic but that you can also present an objective analysis that presents a well-researched theory.

Keep reading this guide to learn exactly how to write a critical thinking essay in the shortest time possible.

What is a Critical Thinking Essay?

A critical thinking essay is an assignment in which students have to demonstrate their analytical abilities. For it’s worth, critical thinking essays should enable you to read attentively, employ methodical doubt, identify flaws in arguments, work with concepts, and articulate thoughts clearly and reasonably.

The foundation of a critical thinking essay is the ability to ask and respond to the appropriate questions. Tutors typically evaluate both the text’s quality and the manner in which a student develops arguments about a certain subject.  

Learning how to write a critical thinking essay is the best way to hone your critical thinking ability. Doing this will assist you in developing the ability to work efficiently with information, arrange it, filter out dubious material, and draw conclusions.

How is a Critical Thinking Essay Different from Other Essay?

A critical thinking essay is essentially different from other types of essays in that it asks students to read a text and examine it through the lens of the author. In other words, producing a critical thinking essay demonstrates students’ comprehension of material and their ability to make sense of what they have read, observed, or heard.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay

There following is a step-by-step guide to help you write a critical thinking essay : 

Step #1: Choose a Topic

The initial step should be to choose an appropriate critical thinking essay topic. If it is a school or college project, you will most likely receive the subject from your professor. If your teachers do not assign a topic, you may choose one.

The best themes for critical thinking include books, a film, art, or a law. You can demonstrate your knowledge by giving your perspectives on contentious issues and explaining why you support your assertion.

Step #2: Research

Conduct research on the subject and learn about its distinguishing characteristics. What makes your theme unique? By emphasizing the solution to this question, you can write an entirely distinctive critical thinking essay.

Step #3: Write the Essay

Create an outline.

Not only does a critical thinking essay outline assist you in organizing your thoughts, but it also assists you in directing your train of thought in the appropriate direction. Additionally, it assists you in organizing your essay in such a way that it has a natural flow or rhythm.

Keep in mind that thoughts come in various ways, but an outline can help you discipline them.

Create a Thesis Statement

The introduction includes a thesis statement. A thesis statement must be compelling. Your thesis statement should be debatable, and you should be able to present adequate evidence to back your response. The thesis statement should serve as the anchor for the remainder of the essay.

Choose the Most Persuasive Evidence

Choose the most persuasive evidence from the outline’s researched list. To weed out the most vulnerable pieces of evidence, ask these questions and keep only those that respond. Which ones best support your thesis? Which of the shards of evidence will be most recognizable by subject-matter experts? Which one has the most authors and specialists advocating for the same cause? The responses will assist you in framing your topic.

Write the Body of the Essay

If you want to discuss a recent incident that affected you, you will need to conduct research to fill out the essay. Not only should you consider meeting the word count specified, but you should also include facts and pieces of pertinent information in your essay.

While expressing your opinion, discuss both the positive and negative aspects. Write about whatever evidence you come across and do not conceal any aspect of your research and provide all sides of your subject.

• Is the issue a representative of contemporary or postmodern themes?
• Does the topic have a connection to any historical event?
• What questions arose as you observed or learned about your subject?
• Create a list of these questions and respond to them in the body paragraphs .

Write a Strong Conclusion

A conclusion paragraph summarizes your points. Your conclusion should emphasize what you’ve attempted to demonstrate or prove to your readers. Prior to writing the final paragraph of your essay, take some time to think about what you have just written and in what order you’ve written them so as to conclude your work effectively. You can motivate the reader to take action, summarize the key points, or explain how the subject affects the reader. Make every effort to relate back to previous ideas and connect them into a unified argument.

Some Tips to Help You Write Better

• Take a break after you finish writing the essay. By taking a brief break, you can recharge your brain. Then carefully check your document for typos, grammatical flaws, wordy sentences, and other errors that could jeopardize your work.
• Invite a friend or family member to read your critical thinking and provide helpful feedback.
• Cite all sources, including quotations, figures, and theoretical information that you used in your essay.
• To alleviate stress, begin writing in advance. Typically, last-minute writings have poor grammar and organization.
• Attempt to begin as soon as possible and produce an excellent critical thinking essay!

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.